I talk about chapter length a lot because my chapter lengths seem to be contrary to the norm on SOL. As I've said many times, I prefer short chapters both as a reader and author.
Like I often do, I was spending time browsing articles on writing fiction and came upon one on chapter length from "Publishers Weekly."
"Publishers Weekly" is an American weekly trade news magazine targeted at publishers, librarians, booksellers, and literary agents. Published continuously since 1872, it has carried the tagline, "The International News Magazine of Book Publishing and Bookselling."
The following is from the article:
"Many novelists these days prefer chapters that are between 1,500 words—or six book pages— and 8,000 words, or 32 book pages."
My latest novel, "The Nymphomaniac," is 193,000 words and 70 chapters. That's an average chapter length of 2,757 words. So my chapters are on the shorter end, but not unusually short per the definition above.
The article also says:
"Chapter length helps create the rhythm of your book. Do you want your novel to feel fast paced and breathless? Then you should try to keep chapters on the short side. If your story is more leisurely, then longer chapters may be appropriate."
My writing is influenced by thrillers. Yeah, those novels that are "fast paced and breathless." So it makes sense for me to have shorter (not short—LOL) chapters.
Anyway, Happy Holidays to you all.